If you need to replace a lost or damaged Medicare ID card, request one online or call the phone number listed above. Your new card should arrive in the mail in about 30 days.
If you live outside the United States and its territories, contact the nearest U.S. Social Security Insurance office, U.S. Embassy or consulate, or the Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) in the Philippines.
You get a Medicare card when you enrol in Medicare. When we receive your completed enrolment form and supporting documents, we’ll process them and let you know when you’re enrolled.
You’ll then get your Medicare card in the mail in 3 to 4 weeks.
We’ll send Medicare cards and other general information to the contact person for everyone listed on the Medicare card. The contact person could be you or someone else listed on the card.
If you’re the only person listed on the Medicare card, you’ll be the contact person for the card.
You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card as soon as you enrol. You’ll need to sign into the Express Plus Medicare mobile app to use it. To use the app, you need a myGov account linked to your Medicare online account. If you don’t have these, set them up then download the app.
You can only be on 2 Medicare cards at the same time. Once you’re 15 years or older you can get your own Medicare card. Read more about getting your Medicare card.
Understanding the types of Medicare cards
There are 3 types of Medicare cards that come in the following colours:
- Green, for standard Medicare cards
- Blue, for interim Medicare cards
- Yellow, for Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Medicare cards.
When you’re enrolled in Medicare, we’ll send you one of these cards. The type of card we send you will depend on your personal situation.
Standard Medicare card
Standard green cards are valid for 5 years. We’ll send you a new card before your old one expires.
You don’t have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so we send your card to the right address.
Interim Medicare card
Interim blue cards are valid until the expiry date on the card.
If you’re an applicant for permanent residency and your visa conditions haven’t changed, we’ll send you a new card before your old one expires. If you don’t get a new card, you’ll need to contact Medicare.
You don’t have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.
If you’re a temporary resident covered by a Ministerial Order, your Medicare card is valid until the expiry date. To continue to access Medicare, you’ll need to meet certain criteria and re-enrol in Medicare.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Medicare card
You will get a yellow Medicare card if you’re visiting Australia from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). Yellow cards are valid until the expiry date on the card. To continue to access Medicare, you’ll need to meet the RHCA criteria for your country and re-enrol in Medicare.
Using your Medicare card
You can use your Medicare card to access any of the following:
- a range of medical services and prescriptions at a lower cost
- care as a public patient in a public hospital
- cheaper medicines at a pharmacy under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Read more about getting health care and Medicare.
It’s easiest if you take your Medicare card or number with you when you go to a doctor or hospital. You may need it when you submit a prescription at a pharmacy.
You can also use the digital copy of your card if you don’t have your Medicare card with you.
When you make a Medicare claim, we need to match the information to the details on your Medicare card. Your card has your name on it. If you have a partner or children, your card may also list their details. If it does, it’s a good idea to get an extra card. You can only get one extra card.
Your Medicare card is proof that you’re entitled to health benefits under Medicare. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this important piece of paper.
When will I receive my Medicare card?
Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65. If you’re collecting Social Security benefits beforehand (which you can do starting at age 62), you’ll be automatically signed up for Medicare Part A, and you should receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months prior to your 65th birthday. Meanwhile, if you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, you’ll get your card in the mail about three months before your 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
If you need to sign up for Medicare yourself (which you’ll do through the Social Security Administration) you’ll generally get your card in the mail within 30 days of enrolling.
What should I do if I don't receive my Medicare card?
If you don’t receive your Medicare card, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also log onto your Social Security account and make sure the mailing address on file is correct.
What does a Medicare card look like?
Your Medicare card is red, white, and blue, and it contains your name and your Medicare ID number. Note that your card will not contain your or your spouse’s Social Security Number; this change was implemented to help keep that important detail under wraps.
Your Medicare card will indicate whether you have Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or both. Finally, your Medicare card will note the date when your health coverage began. You may be surprised to see that your Medicare card is paper, not plastic. Paper cards are easier for providers to copy, which is why Medicare made the switch.
Should I carry my Medicare card with me?
You should bring your Medicare card along any time you’re visiting a provider to receive medical treatment or going to a pharmacy to fill a prescription – or when you go to a hospital. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to store your Medicare card in a secure place, like a filing cabinet or safe.
You’ll use your Original Medicare card to fill prescriptions only if they are covered by Medicare Part B (examples include drugs you administer through an infusion pump). In all other cases, you’ll use your Part D prescription drug plan when filling prescriptions. (Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D drug coverage, in which case you’ll use your Advantage plan’s card to fill prescriptions.)
You should not share that card with anyone in a non-medical capacity. For example, your bank does not need a copy of your Medicare card. Remember, even though Medicare cards no longer list Social Security numbers, they still contain personal information, like your unique Medicare ID number, so be careful about who sees that card. Keep in mind that Medicare will not call you over the phone asking you to confirm your personal ID number. If someone calls asking for that, assume it’s a scam.
Is my Medicare card the only proof of health coverage I'll need?
Your Medicare card will not indicate whether you have Medicare Advantage, a Medicare Part D drug plan, or supplemental insurance (such as a Medigap plan). Generally, you’ll get a separate card from your plan administrator for each of these plans. If you have Medicare Advantage or Medigap, it’s a good idea to also carry those cards with you when seeing providers in addition to your regular Medicare card.
How do I replace a lost Medicare card?
You can order a replacement Medicare card online, using the Social Security website. You’ll be directed to log into your My Social Security account, where you’ll be able to request a new card. The card will be mailed to the address on your account within 30 days – so make sure your address correct. You can also call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call Social Security’s toll-free TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
If you need proof that you have Medicare sooner than 30 days, you can request to have a letter mailed to you within 10 days. Or, if you need proof immediately that you have Medicare – for a prescription or for your doctor – the site may advise you to make an appointment at a Social Security office that’s open.
If you need proof of your Medicare enrollment sooner, many health care providers’ offices will accept a Social Security statement showing your entitlement. You should be able to print this out online. Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap insurers have their own insurance cards. Contact your insurer if you need to replace one of these cards.
Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade, and her coverage area runs the gamut from healthcare to personal finance to career advice. Much of her writing these days revolves around retirement and its various components and challenges, including healthcare, Medicare, Social Security, and money management.